Notes

Functions
• Support – The skeleton keeps the body upright and
provides a framework for muscle and tissue
attachment.
• Posture – The skeleton gives the correct shape to the
body.
• Movement – The skeleton allows movement of the
body as a whole and its individual parts. The bones
form joints and act as levers, allowing muscles to pull
on them to produce movement. The bones of the
skeleton provide surfaces for the attachment of
muscles.
• Protection – The bones of the skeleton protect the
internal organs and reduce the risk of injury.
• Mineral storage – The bones store minerals such as
calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorous and
release them into the blood when the body needs to
use them.
• Blood cell production – Certain bones in the skeleton
contain bone marrow which produces red blood cells,
white blood cells and platelets. Examples of bones
that contain marrow are the pelvis, sternum,
humorous and femur.